Writ filed at HC seeking to suspend JUCSU polls

A writ petition has been filed in the High Court seeking the suspension of the Jahangirnagar Central Students’ Union (JUCSU) election. The petition was submitted on Monday (8 September) to the relevant bench of the High Court.

However, the reasons cited in the petition are not yet known, and no detailed information regarding the hearing is available.

Earlier, AKM Rashidul Alam, the returning officer of the JUCSU election commission, stated that the university had requested the deployment of the army to prevent any security risks. The request aims to ensure a free and fair election, with law enforcement agencies supporting the army.

After a gap of 33 years, the campus is witnessing a festive atmosphere as the JUCSU and hall union elections are set to be held. Since its establishment in 1972, Jahangirnagar University has conducted the JUCSU election only nine times. The last election took place on 29 July 1993 but was subsequently canceled after clashes broke out between students and teachers over a student’s expulsion. No JUCSU election has occurred since then.

The JUCSU and hall union elections are scheduled for 11 September. Various student groups, including Chhatra Dal, Chhatra Shibir, leftist organizations, and independent candidates, are participating. Students active during the anti-discrimination movement are also contesting as independents.

Earlier, on 1 September, following a hearing on a petition, the High Court issued a stay order on the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election. The Dhaka University authorities immediately appealed to the Appellate Division to suspend the High Court’s order. After a hearing, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court stayed the High Court’s order, allowing the DUCSU election to proceed as scheduled on Tuesday (9 September).